The Cardinal

Alison Weir makes history come alive as no one else BARBARA ERSKINE

It begins with young Tom Wolsey, the bright and brilliant son of a Suffolk tradesman, sent to study at Oxford at just eleven years old.

It ends with a disgraced cardinal, cast from the King's side and estranged from the woman he loves.

The years in between tell the story of a scholar and a lover, a father and a priest. From the court of Henry VIII, Tom builds a powerful empire of church and state. At home in London, away from prying eyes, he finds joy in a secret second life.

But when King Henry, his cherished friend, demands the ultimate sacrifice, what will Wolsey choose?

Alison Weir gives us her most compelling heroine yet... This is where the story of the Tudors begins TRACY BORMAN

History has the best stories and they should all be told like this CONN IGGULDEN

As always, Alison Weir is ahead of the curve - and at the top of her game SARAH GRISTWOOD

Weir is excellent on the little details that bring a world to life GUARDIAN

Profoundly moving... lingers long after the last page ELIZABETH FREMANTLE